[PDF][PDF] Imiquimod as an antiangiogenic agent

VW Li, WW Li, KE Talcott, AW Zhai - Journal of drugs in dermatology, 2005 - angio.org
VW Li, WW Li, KE Talcott, AW Zhai
Journal of drugs in dermatology, 2005angio.org
Abstract Imiquimod (imidazoquinoline 5%) is a topical immune response modifier agent that
inhibits angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels. In addition to its stimulation of cell-
mediated immunity, imiquimod's antiangiogenic activity contributes to its clinical efficacy by
interfering with pathological neovascularization that promotes disease progression. The
antiangiogenic mechanisms of imiquimod are due to its: 1) induction of cytokines that
themselves inhibit angiogenesis (interferons, IL-10, IL-12); 2) local up-regulation of …
Abstract
Imiquimod (imidazoquinoline 5%) is a topical immune response modifier agent that inhibits angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels. In addition to its stimulation of cell-mediated immunity, imiquimod’s antiangiogenic activity contributes to its clinical efficacy by interfering with pathological neovascularization that promotes disease progression. The antiangiogenic mechanisms of imiquimod are due to its: 1) induction of cytokines that themselves inhibit angiogenesis (interferons, IL-10, IL-12); 2) local up-regulation of endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors (TIMP, TSP-1); 3) local down-regulation of pro-angiogenic factors (bFGF, MMP-9); and 4) promotion of endothelial cell apoptosis. This report discusses these mechanisms and the rationale for imiquimod’s use as an antiangiogenic agent. Key principles of antiangiogenic therapy are presented to describe how imiquimod may be applied in a well-tolerated fashion to treat a broad range of angiogenesis-dependent dermatological conditions, including actinic keratosis (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), lentigo maligna, hemangiomas, Kaposi’s sarcoma, pyogenic granuloma, and external genital warts.
angio.org